Once-Homeless Veteran and Family Thankful For New Home

A North Texas Army veteran and his family have much to be thankful for as Veterans Day approaches.

U.S. Army Specialist William Robbin and his family have a new home in Northlake. And it is mortgage-free, all thanks to a home builder and a nonprofit which helps military families going through tough times.

For Robbin, a most unexpected moment nearly left him speechless.

"I'm not sure if this is real still," he said, as Meritage Homes and Operation Homefront gave him the keys to his family's brand-new, 2,000 square-foot home. "I guess this is what winning the lottery is like."

For Robbin, wife Nikki and their three young children, the home marks a first. Not only have they never owned a home, but in the past, the family has been homeless.

"It's very humbling," Robbin said. "I wish more veterans could experience it too. I know there are so many others who need help."

Robbin joined the Army in 2007. He suffered a traumatic brain injury during service in Iraq. He's also lost friends along the way.

"I feel bad," said Nikki Robbin. "It's kind bittersweet because so many people are struggling now."

"It's almost seems unfair for us to be blessed with all this," she said.

William Robbin still experiences seizures related to his injury and cannot work. But even with all he’s been through, he says he’d do it all again.

"Every day, I wish I was still in," he said of his Army days.

Robbin is thankful for the kindness – that his family can now have a roof over its head – that’s all theirs.

"It basically means everything," he said. "This is just amazing."